Seven or eight out of every ten people in Australia probably have a pet at home, and the expenses for these little masters certainly add up. Day-to-day food and supplies aside, once they get sick, the bills are no small matter. VET fees in Australia aren’t cheap to begin with — anyone who has a pet knows. While many owners choose to buy pet insurance, when an animal actually falls ill, you can’t really stop to check what’s covered and what’s not, or how much is reimbursable. Just swipe the card — treat it now! As long as it can be cured! A single visit costing a few hundred dollars is nothing; if something is genuinely wrong, a few thousand is often barely enough.

We all know that Australian citizens/PRs (and some long-term temporary visa holders) are entitled to Medicare, which subsidises routine GP visits and check-ups. One of our friends once joked about her household’s little master, saying her cat’s parents were both born and raised Australian cats, and the cat herself, born in Australia, is every bit an Australian citizen… so why no Medicare?

Well, that might actually happen one day.

#Vet Shortage / High Costs, Heavy Pressure

As more and more animals and pets become part of Australian households, the Animal Justice Party has put a proposal to the Victorian Parliament, suggesting that veterinary care be brought into the health insurance system, with the associated costs either fully covered or partially subsidised. They are calling it “Veticare”.

During the pandemic some vet clinics closed for good, and combined with the rise in pet numbers during the same period, veterinarians — like many other industries — are now experiencing a nationwide shortage across Australia.

That’s why the Animal Justice Party’s proposals also include establishing public veterinary hospitals, upskilling veterinary nurses, and setting up a bulk-billing model for vet care.

#Veticare / How It Would Work

Owners of domestic animals in Victoria would be able to pay a set annual fee to obtain a Veticare card, then pay a scheduled fee each time they use it. Depending on the owner’s financial situation, the government would provide different levels of subsidy (rebate).

If the owner holds a Concession, Pension or Healthcare card, they would be eligible for a full-cost subsidy. Animal rescuers and carers would also be eligible for a Veticare card, and would not be required to pay the annual fee, in recognition of their contribution to animal welfare.

The proposed laws also suggest introducing government-funded public veterinary hospitals, which would operate on a bulk-billed basis and not charge for over-the-counter medications. In Victoria, vet clinics are currently all privately owned, with no public clinics in operation.

Animal Justice Party leader Andy Meddick says Victoria is facing a veterinary shortage crisis, and that pets and wildlife are not receiving the care they deserve because owners and rescuers cannot afford it. This has not only caused animal health issues but also driven up prices and placed unimaginable pressure on vets, forcing them to work overtime without support — an altogether vicious cycle.

For that reason, they put forward that “just as we can use our Medicare card to see a doctor, Veticare would establish public clinics that allow free or low-cost appointments.”

#Industry Voices / Especially Helpful in Remote/Rural Areas

The proposal has won the support of some industry figures. Penny Hocking, who has been a vet for more than thirty years, believes Veticare could make an enormous difference, particularly in rural and remote areas. “In some remote parts of Victoria, owners may have to drive hours to find a vet. At night, they may not find one at all. In metropolitan areas, the cost can be very high. When people can’t afford veterinary care, animals don’t get adequate care, and then they may be euthanised or surrendered to rescue organisations.”

Do You Support It?

•Andy Meddick, the Animal Justice Party’s sole MP, is putting this proposal to the Victorian Upper House. He believes it could improve equity in access to veterinary care, and has already secured the backing of several crossbench MPs, and will continue to discuss the scheme with the government.

He hopes to see the scheme up and running within 12 months, but also understands that the government will need some time to work out the costings.

• From proposal to actual legislation is still a very long road. Asked how much it would cost the government to include domestic animals in a universal Medicare-style scheme, Andy Meddick admitted: “If I said it was cheap, I’d be lying. I expect it would exceed 10 million Australian dollars, but the benefits would far outweigh the cost.“

Of course, even before this proposal, Australia has long been at the forefront of animal and pet protection worldwide, safeguarding animals themselves while also keeping communities safe. For more, see:

-Can you report a neighbour you spot abusing a dog? What are the consequences of animal cruelty in Australia?

-[Must-read for first-time dog owners] A legally required guide to what you can and cannot do!

[Success Story Share] A dramatic turnaround! From a $170K fine/jail time down to just a $1,500 fine — what happened in between?